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Issue 71 - Heights Highlights Spring 2006PAGE 1 MARCH 2006 ISSUE 71 ovkppy 50th Birthday Mendota Heights We Are 50 And We Are Celebrating on Saturday, June 3, 2006 *5K Run/Walk * Bike Rodeo * Pet Show * Art and Poetry Contests * Teddy Bear Band * Splatter Sisters Band * Fire Truck Rides * Moon Walk * Soccer & Hockey Shootouts * Petting Zoo & Free Pony Rides * Face Painting * Free Throw & Putting Contests *Tennis Tournament & Tennis Block Party * Parade * Lite Sports Games *Dance Lessons * Car Show * Food Vendors * Bingo * Street Dance featuring the Paul Heffron Band (5 pm) & the Rockin' Hollywoods (7:30 pm) WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! We are also looking for cars from the 1950's and earlier to be in the car show & parade. Please contact City Hall at 651-452-1850 for more information. All at Mendota Plaza, Mendakota Park, and the Village at Mendota Heights. The 1st City Council Meeting March 19, 1956! The regular and audit meeting was held at the Town and Fire Hall, March 19, 1956, at 8 o'clock p.m. All board mem- bers were present. The following candidates were elected for the following Village offices: F. Robert Edman Mayor 3 yr. term William H. Sweeney Trustee 3 yr. term A. H. Horning Trustee 3 yr. term Emil Krammer Trustee 1 yr. term Frank Stary Town Clerk 1 yr. term Gilbert Radabaugh Treasurer 2 yr. term Donald Dehaan Constable 2 yr. term Donald Lesher Constable 1 yr. term Carl Hansen Assessor 1 yr. term Maurice L. Smith Justice of Peace 2 yr. term Donald Spavin Justice of Peace 1 yr. term Sixteen candidates filed for the offices. The election was held Monday, March 19, 1956. Mayor's Message Happy 50th Birthday to us! On February 20, 1956 the residents of Mendota Township voted 577 to 265 to incorporate into the Village of Mendota Heights. On March 19, 1956 F. Robert Edman was elected our first mayor, and later was followed by , Louis Wachtler, Donald Huber, Robert Lockwood, Charles Mertensotto and yours truly. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of these great leaders. All of us can be proud of what has been accom- plished in our first fifty years. Our citizens have con- sistently come together to establish a vision for our city that we all enjoy today. I urge you to join your fel- low residents on Saturday, June 3rd at one of the many activities being planned as we celebrate our great city. - Mayor John Huber PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH 2006 Rain Gardens Rain Gardens are coming to the Somerset Neighborhood! The City has received a grant from the Metropolitan Council to construct rain gardens. The Engineering Department has been working with residents in the Somerset neighborhood to determine good loca- tions and plan to construct at least 13 gardens late this summer. A rain garden is a shallow depression in your yard that is planted with native wetland or wet prairie wild- flowers, grasses and shrubs. Rain gardens can absorb hundreds of gallons of rain that would otherwise wash pollution down the street into the nearest river, stream or lake. Rain garden plants create wildlife habitat and attract butterflies and birds. For more info on rain gardens, visit the City's website at www.mendota-heights.com. We Remember Our Friends Dale Peterson Dale was a former Firefighter, Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. Dale had been retired from the department for some time but was still active in the department until he became ill. Dale began his career as a firefighter in 1961. He served for 13 years as a Captain from 1966 through 1979 and then Assistant Fire Chief until his retirement in 1983. He had a total of 22 years of service to the Mendota Heights Fire Department. Dale was what some would call a reluctant leader. "He never wanted to be in charge, he never wanted to be the boss. He liked being the worker and the doer. He always had the ability to get the best out of people. He could build on their strengths." says his daughter Jaci Peterson. Joining the Navy at the height of WWII in 1942, Peterson served as an aviation radioman with a bomber squadron in the Pacific. After his discharge in 1945, he joined the post- war housing boom as a carpenter in St. Paul. He then worked for the city of Eagan and became its full-time build- ing inspector until he retired. He built friendships for life within the Mendota Heights Fire Department. The Fire Department lost someone who greatly contributed to our legacy of quality public service. He will be missed by all! Alma Fischer On July 7, 1948 sixteen women attended the first meet- ing of the Mendota Township Volunteer Firefighters to organize an Auxiliary. The first item of business was to elect officers. Alma Fischer was elected the first vice-pres- ident. Alma attended over 500 Auxiliary meetings through- out her 50 years of auxiliary membership. She was also active on the history committee for the Fire Department's 50th anniversary celebration. Alma was married to Frank Fischer, the first Fire Chief of the Mendota Heights Fire Department. They owned the Fischer's store in Mendota Heights. She loved her family, grandchildren, and traveling. 2006 Street Improvement Projects The City Council has authorized the Engineering Department to prepare feasibility reports for street recon- struction in the Ivy Falls neighborhood and street reha- bilitation in the Industrial Park. Streets that are proposed to be reconstructed including addition of storm sewer and concrete curb and gutter are Woodridge Drive, Arcadia Drive, Cascade Lane, Maple Park Court, Falls View Court, Maple Park Drive from Sylvandale to Falls View Court and Sylvandale Road from Maple Park Drive to Sibley Memorial Highway. Streets in the Industrial Park that are proposed to be rehabilitated including milling and a bituminous overlay are Mendota Heights Road from Lexington Avenue to Sibley Memorial Highway, Enterprise Drive and Northland Drive from TH 55 to Mendota Heights Road. Neighborhood meetings will be held in March. Contact the Engineering Department for additional information at 452-1850. Firefighter Retiree Jim Perron, an 18 year veteran of the Mendota Heights Fire Department, retired on December 31, 2005. Jim joined the Fire Department in January of 1987. Jim was our one -line comedian who helped lighten the mood if things got too tense. Jim was a captain for four years. Jim will be missed and we want to thank him for his 18 years of service and dedication. Firefighter of the Year Award This award is given to a fire- fighter that has a good atten- dance record for clean ups, drills, meetings, special activities and fire calls. They are also active in department activities often volun- teering to do the little extra. The "George Lowe Firefighter of the Year" was Richard Griep. Rick made all of his required training and clean up require- ments, as well as spring and fall clean ups (even doubling his fall clean up). He made 73% of all the 217 calls for the year, the highest percentage in the depart- ment. He logged 333 total hours which averages to 6 hours per week. Rick works the third shift as a machin- ist for the Canadian Pacific Railroad in St. Paul as well as being very involved with his family!! He has a willingness to step up to the plate and do something. Rick serves on the Fire Prevention Committee and SCBA Committee and volunteers to help wherever help is needed. He has been with the Fire Department for three and a half years. Congratulations Rick!!! UAI t5 AU JUST "1 b, 1 LOCATION: Kaposia TIME: 8:00 am - 3:30 FEE: $15/per particip Enrollment is limited ani Park in S.S.P. 30 minute Remember to dress for bug spray! PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH 2006 Mendota Heights Parks & Rec Mendota Heights Summer Tennis Program Lessons will be held at Visitation Courts @ Mendota and Dodd Road. We will be offering Tennis lessons and Teams taught and coached by Tim Garvey a Certified developmental coach/instructor with USPTA- United States Professional Tennis Association. We also have High School/College assistants working with Tim. Please call the Tennis Hotline at 651-255-1174 if weather is questionable up to fi hour before your les- son. Rain outs will not be made up -instead we have added extra time on Friday, July 28 with a picnic, in- house tournament, games and prizes. ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER EARLYMN "Little Tennis" for Youth Ages 4 - 7 T-shirt included (45 minute lesson once a week). This program will introduce tennis to your child in a fun and safe environment. Mini nets & other teaching aids will be used to gear this program to your child's age level. Register early, this program fills quickly. (The instructor would like a parent/chaperone to stay with child during lesson - you may coordinate with another parent to help with your child if you are unable to stay.) Dates: Thursdays, June 15 - July 27 (no lesson on July 6) Times: Littles I - 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Littles II - 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Cost: $40 (no rainout/makeup's). We may add more sessions if these classes fill. Beginner Tennis Lessons for Youth Ages 8 - 14 We will be using a USTA "games approach" to get kids together to have fun and learn how to play tennis. They will learn sports- manship, general etiquette, develop strokes, apply strategies and tactics for both singles and doubles in a supervised, safe environ- ment. Tennis T-shirt and tennis balls are included. Participants will need tennis shoes and a tennis racquet. Dates: Mon., Tues., & Weds. from June 12 to July 26 (18 hours total + fun day) no play on July 3, 4, or 5. Times: Session I - 8:30 - 9:25 a.m. for ages 8,9,10 years Session II - 9:30 - 10:25 for ages 11, 12, 13, 14 years. Cost: $75 ** Friday, July 28 - In house tournament, picnic fun/games and awards 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Lessons for Youth Ages 8 - 14 This program is for youth with previous tennis experience or participated in our tennis program last year. Tim and his assistants will take them to the next level of training. You will work with the instructors at your level of play not age. Dates: Mon., Tues. & Weds. from June 12 to July 26 (18 hours total + Friday Fun Day) no play on July 3, 4, or 5 Times: Session III - 10:30 — 11:25 a.m. Session IV - 11:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Cost: $75 (If you plan on playing on the traveling team and would also like to take the lessons, please sign up for Session IV.) ** Friday, July 28 - In house tournament, games, prizes, picnic and awards 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. In -House League Play for Ages 11 - 14 You may be part of this program if you are in advanced lessons (session III at 10:30 a.m.) or took lessons last year and want to take your game to the next level without playing on the traveling team. You will need to qualify for this program and be evaluated your first day. If Coach Tim feels you are not ready for this program, your money will be refunded. COST: If you sign up for both the 10:30 advanced lessons and in house league play you will get a reduced rate of $135.00. If you are just signing up for in house league the fee is $75. DATES: Mon., Tues., & Weds. from June 12 - July 26. (18 hours + Friday Fun Day) No play on July 3, 4, or 5. Time: 11:45-12:45. ** Friday, July 28 - In house tournament, games, prizes, picnic and awards 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Traveling Tennis Team for Youth Ages 12 - 14 (or approval of instructor) The Coach will approve you to play on the first day - if he feels you are not ready for this program your fee will be refunded. USTA Teams will be formed according to age. You will travel to locations outside our City and some games will be at our home courts at Visitation. When traveling to other sites ending times may vary. Tim Garvey will be the coach. Fee will include Team T -Shirt, USTA team fee. Most weeks you will practice or play on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons with an opportunity to qualify for USTA Sectional Championships. Team members will need a racquet, tennis shoes and shorts. Parents will be needed to help drive team to playing sites. Please let instructor know if you can help drive, instructor is not allowed to drive players. Cost: $100 Dates: Mon., Tues., Weds. from June 12 - July 26 (no play on July 3, 4, or 5). Times: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (approximately). * There will be two travel teams one Competitive Flight and one Recreational flight and you will play others at your level. DON'T MISS THESE TENNIS EVENTS JUNE 3RD IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS!!! Mendota Heights "50th Anniversary" FAMILY TENNIS TOURNAMENT - Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. - noon. Visitation Courts: Two flights of competition: 1.) Adult/Child -14 & under doubles or 2.) Singles Age 14 & under open to both boys and girls. Tournament fee: $10 per participant, includes fee t -shirt, & awards. Sign up by May 31. Limited spots available. Mail or drop off your registration at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. USTA TENNIS BLOCK PARTY on Saturday, June 3rd Noon - 3:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park as a part of the "50th Birthday Celebration". Come join in the free fun!!! PAGE 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH 2006 Parks & Rec Registration Info Deadlines. Most activities have limited enrollment, registration deadlines, and fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. Registrations will NOT be taken over the phone. Non-resident Fee. Non-residents are welcomed to participate in our programs; however, residents will receive priority registration. There is a $5.00 non-resi- dent fee per participant per activity if you live outside Mendota Heights. Exception: youth trip participants will not be charged a non-resident fee. Please include the non-resident fee with regular registration costs when enrolling. Refund Policy. A $2 service fee will be charged for individual cancellations made prior to the start of a pro- gram or its registration deadline date, if enrollment allows, with the exception of being on a participant wait- ing list. No refunds will be given after registration dead- lines or the start of an activity. Registration fees for pro- grams canceled by the City will be fully refunded. Confirmation. There will be no farther confirmation after registration. It is your responsibility to be present on the date and time your program begins. You will receive notification if a program is filled, canceled, or changed. Participants With Disabilities. Participants with dis- abilities who are in need of any special assistance or aux- iliary aids should notify the Parks and Rec Department at Ithe time of registration to ensure that any need can be met to fully participate and enjoy a program or service. Important Phone Numbers & Recreation Information You may register for programs or take out park permits at the _ receptionist desk in City Hall dur- ing normal business hours 1 ` (Monday through Friday from 8 •• a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Park & Recreation Programmer, Teresa Gangelhoff, 651-452-1850. Hours are 9:30 am -3:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. * MH Softball League Director: Teresa 651-452-1850 * Skating Lesson Line: 651-255-1173 * Ice Rink Hotline: 651-255-1174 * Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) - All youth sports (excluding tennis & golf): 651-454-0433 or online at: www.eteamz.com/mhaaonline * Sibley Sting Youth Soccer: 651-457-1426 * Thompson Park Activity Center: 651-453-0025 * DARTS: 651-455-1560 * Fort Snelling State Park: 612-725-2389 * Special Olympics: 651-452-1850 * DNR information Center: 651-296-6157 * Mendota Heights Garden Club: 651-454-3337 * Dakota County Parks: 651-438-4671 * St. Thomas Ice Arena: 651-209-6020 * Mendota Heights Mom's Club: 651-452-0483 (Sue) MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS & REC REGISTRATION FORM You may register in person or by mail for all activites at: Mendota Heights City Hall, Parks and Rec, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. (Make checks payable to City of Mendota Heights) By signing below you agree that the City of Mendota Heights shall not be liable for any claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action whatsoever to you or your property due to the passive or active negligence of the City of Mendota Heights, it's agents or employees. I have read and understand this agreement by signing below. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment with a complete refund. No refunds after start of activity. A $2.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations made prior to the start of a program or it's registration deadline. City of Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651-452-1850 A1AA1.� FOR OFFICE USE ONLY DATE REC'D HECK # AMOUNT BY Activity Name Activity Date Fee 1. _/_/_ $ 2. _/_/_ $ 3. / / $ Please fill in this section for Youth Programs Only: Male Female _ School Grade _ Child's Age _ Birth date _/_/_ Participants Name Home Phone (Youth Only) Parents cell or work phone Address City Zip Participant signature (or Parent signature if participant is under 18) Date